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Medicinal herb farm breaking new ground in Davidson County

Pam Leonard kneels among garlic (left), motherwort (back) and lemon balm that is growing in the garden outside of the greenhouse at Gentle Harmony Farm on Friendship Church Road. Pam and her husband, Charles, operate the wholesale herb farm.

Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

BY DENISE KASPERCorrespondent

Published: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:58 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:58 a.m.

Pam and Charles Leonard decided to return to their North Carolina roots to start the next chapter of their lives — and their venture is flourishing.

The Leonards bought the nearly four-acre Gentle Harmony Farm on Friendship Church Road in the Yadkin College area and just completed their first growing season. The couple was living in Georgia when they decided to purchase the farm in 2008. Charles Leonard, 66, was working as a professor of graphic design and Pam Leonard, 65, was working as a mitigation specialist.

While starting an herb farm was probably the farthest thing from what they were doing, Pam Leonard describes this endeavor as an encore career — and definitely not a hobby.

"There's a lot more to it than put plants in the ground and grow them," explains Amy-Lynn Albertson, extension agent, agriculture — horticulture, with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. "There's a lot of work and research needed to grow medicinal herbs — and the Leonards have done that. This is a true farming venture."

Gentle Harmony Farm is the only USDA-approved organic farm in Davidson County. Becoming certified by the USDA was no small task, as the process is extensive, Albertson said, adding that it's a true accomplishment and a testament to the commitment the Leonards have to the success of their farm.

Most herbalists on the East Coast have to turn to the West Coast to find products, and local products are always better, Pam Leonard says, adding that the timing is right for major growth in the Piedmont in this industry.

"Herbalists are always looking for local product," she said. "We have done a lot of research and have gotten a lot of support. We are hoping to enlarge the movement in the Piedmont."

Getting into the business of medical herbs reinforces the Leonards' interest in wellness and the healthy lifestyle they strive to lead. But herb farming is still somewhat new to this area.

"There is a lot of demand for medicinal herbs," Albertson said. "The challenge is that we don't have a lot of experience growing herbs here, so there is a learning curve. They are doing something no one else is doing, and along the way we are learning."

Albertson explains that different herbal companies want herbs in different forms. Some want them dried, others want them fresh while others still prefer only the flowers or the roots of a plant. To meet these needs, the Leonards have erected a barn with drying rooms to process the herbs and offer them in different forms to their customers.

"It is our hope to leave this land healthier than we found it," Pam Leonard said. "We have built up the soil and made it a good growing place — and passed on wellness to people along the way."

<p>Pam and Charles Leonard decided to return to their North Carolina roots to start the next chapter of their lives — and their venture is flourishing.</p><p>The Leonards bought the nearly four-acre Gentle Harmony Farm on Friendship Church Road in the Yadkin College area and just completed their first growing season. The couple was living in Georgia when they decided to purchase the farm in 2008. Charles Leonard, 66, was working as a professor of graphic design and Pam Leonard, 65, was working as a mitigation specialist.</p><p>While starting an herb farm was probably the farthest thing from what they were doing, Pam Leonard describes this endeavor as an encore career — and definitely not a hobby.</p><p>"There's a lot more to it than put plants in the ground and grow them," explains Amy-Lynn Albertson, extension agent, agriculture — horticulture, with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. "There's a lot of work and research needed to grow medicinal herbs — and the Leonards have done that. This is a true farming venture."</p><p>Gentle Harmony Farm is the only USDA-approved organic farm in Davidson County. Becoming certified by the USDA was no small task, as the process is extensive, Albertson said, adding that it's a true accomplishment and a testament to the commitment the Leonards have to the success of their farm. </p><p>Most herbalists on the East Coast have to turn to the West Coast to find products, and local products are always better, Pam Leonard says, adding that the timing is right for major growth in the Piedmont in this industry.</p><p>"Herbalists are always looking for local product," she said. "We have done a lot of research and have gotten a lot of support. We are hoping to enlarge the movement in the Piedmont."</p><p>Getting into the business of medical herbs reinforces the Leonards' interest in wellness and the healthy lifestyle they strive to lead. But herb farming is still somewhat new to this area.</p><p>"There is a lot of demand for medicinal herbs," Albertson said. "The challenge is that we don't have a lot of experience growing herbs here, so there is a learning curve. They are doing something no one else is doing, and along the way we are learning."</p><p>Albertson explains that different herbal companies want herbs in different forms. Some want them dried, others want them fresh while others still prefer only the flowers or the roots of a plant. To meet these needs, the Leonards have erected a barn with drying rooms to process the herbs and offer them in different forms to their customers.</p><p>"It is our hope to leave this land healthier than we found it," Pam Leonard said. "We have built up the soil and made it a good growing place — and passed on wellness to people along the way."</p>